Alexander Moiseev: "Kaif from salvation in defense"

Alexander Moiseev is well known to fans, He is the champion of Russia as part of the Kemerovo Kuzbass, where I spent most of the career, also played for "Nova", And to Surgut moved from the Orenburg region. We are glad, that the cool libero joined us - let's get to know each other better!

About starting a career

I was born in Altai, but spent his entire childhood in the city of Zelenogorsk, Krasnoyarsk Territory, in 16 years ago I moved to Kemerovo - so I’m a real Siberian! Started playing volleyball quite early, from eight years old, from the Honored Trainer of Russia Andrei Nikolaevich Naiko. He trained a lot of athletes, played in Russian youth teams, and in the Superliga. There were older guys in his group, but it didn't bother me at all, on the contrary - it motivated. Then I trained more often under the guidance of Pavel Elizarovich Morozov, which also has quite a few famous alumni. At all, Zelenogorsk has an excellent youth sports school, many people know her all over Russia, And I'm glad, that it was there that he took his first steps in volleyball (from Zelenogorsk, in particular, Andrey Maksimov came out, Konstantin Osipov, Alexander Kritsky - approx.. order.)

IN 16 years ago I went to see Kuzbass. I did not have any outstanding anthropometric data, but technically I was well equipped - and signed my first professional contract. In the youth league at first it was even diagonal, after a couple of months they decided to transfer me to setter, because I haven't grown up, like other guys. Well, then he became a libero. I didn't really like it at first, but then I got involved and the desire to play in this particular position was overflowing - thanks for this to coaches Vitaly Viktorovich Morozov and Ruslan Vladimirovich Chigrin, they helped me smoothly change my role and directed me in the right direction.

About the championship season

That season in Kuzbass will forever remain in the memory. At the start no one could have thought, that we will become champions, no one bet on us. But the composition was powerful, potential is crazy, The atmosphere in the team is working and cool. Everyone really wanted to prove themselves., there was a frantic desire to prove first of all to ourselves, that we as a team can reach a new level. Igor Kobzar, as a captain, tried to gather us more often in his free time, so that we can get to know each other better, it also helped to unite. Tuomas Sammelvuo did an excellent job as a coach as well, and as a sports psychologist, he gave us confidence and team, can say, took a ride, without noticing obstacles.

Awareness, what can we win against Kazan, came after the first match. There was nothing pressing on us then, and the opponent had to defend the title, they had more pressure. After two victories there was already a clear understanding, that we will win this series. To beat such established favorites, like Zenit-Kazan, you need a whole working mechanism, from sponsors to the atmosphere in the locker room - everything has to work, like a clock. Then all these stars aligned.

About your game

I don't have any idols as such., but there are players, whose game do you like. Each libero has his own style, own equipment, my behavior on the court - in this sense, I am not “attached” to anyone, I'm playing my game. But, of course, I took note of something for myself from such masters as Zhenya Grebennikov, Fabio Balasso, Sergio, from the same Alexey Verbov.

I'm okay with competition, it exists in every sport, this is the engine for new achievements. A position partner makes you better., interchangeability - then, what the team needs, and the coach. If the game doesn't go well today, your partner will come out and fix the situation, and tomorrow it could be the other way around. I enjoy playing reception equally., and in defense, but I get the maximum buzz, if you can save the hopeless, it would seem that, the ball is a powerful energy booster for you too, and for the team.

About the transition and preseason

Talents have been found and revealed in Surgut for many years, many players from Gazprom-Yugra moved to top clubs, reached the Russian national team. it, certainly, became the determining factor, why did I contact Rafael Talgatovich: We talked to him and quickly resolved all the issues. I believe, that thanks to Surgut I will take a big step forward.

I started pre-season training in Orenburg: I go to the gym, I do cardio, playing beach volleyball, preparing myself for the stress. By the beginning of the training camp I will arrive in Surgut with my fiancee Daria. Greetings to all Gazprom-Yugra fans - see you soon!